Stokes will play his first league match in two years

Image source, Rex Features

May 14, 2024

England Test captain Ben Stokes is set to play his first match County Championship for two years when Durham take on Lancashire. Friday (11:00 BST).

Stokes last appeared in a league match for Durham in May 2022.

But, as the 32-year-old begins his preparations for England's Test series against the West Indies and Sri Lanka later this summer, he will play the four-day Division 1 at Stanley Park in Blackpool.

"I suggest that if you have a few days this weekend you head to Blackpool to watch the return of the great Ben Stokes at Durham," said the club's head coach, Ryan Campbell. in the United States next month as he wants to focus on his fitness to fulfill his role as an all-rounder in the Test team.

After a knee surgery this winter, Stokes played all five Tests during England's tour of India, but he only bowled five overs in the entire series, all in the final Test.

England's first Test against the West Indies begins at Lord's on July 10, but Durham's match with Lancashire is one of four possible red-ball matches it could play before that date.

Stokes did not play any county cricket last summer as he had already dealt with his knee injury. The Ashes.

He made three appearances for Durham in Division Two in 2022 in preparation for the start of his England captaincy.

During this period he scored a memorable 161 from just 88 balls against Worcestershire at New Road, and also took 4-72 in a match against Middlesex at Lord's.